1.
false accusation; unfounded complaint; pretext
an unreasonable accusation or complaint made without proper basis, often to pick a fight or find fault
言い掛かり refers to an unreasonable or fabricated accusation, often made as a pretext to start a confrontation or find fault.
Common patterns
- 言い掛かりをつける: to make a baseless accusation, to pick a fight
- 言い掛かりをつけられる: to be falsely accused
- 言い掛かりをつけてくる: to come at someone with unfounded complaints
Usage
Always implies the complaint has no legitimate basis — the accuser is either looking for trouble or making excuses. Common in situations involving 酔っ払い (drunks), unreasonable customers, or bullying.